5 Important Questions to Ask Your Partner Before Getting Into Bed

In this day and age, you're not simply sleeping with a single person -- you're sleeping with everyone that person has slept with before you. That's the reality of the sexual revolution. In this era, exploration has often been encouraged, while the very act of "making love" has, according to some, been devalued as a result. While that's a decision each of us must make for ourselves, there's no doubt that our sexual experiences are part of our overall make-up.

The major concern, of course, is sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. STDs date back to the beginning of mankind, and range from mildly irritating (such as scabies, pubic lice and Chlamydia) to painful (such as genital herpes and warts), to potentially lethal (from gonorrhea and syphilis to HIV and AIDS). That's a high price to pay for fleeting infatuation.

Remember, you have an absolute right to ask any potential partner if they've been tested for HIV or any other sexually transmitted diseases, or had relationships with anyone who has tested positive. Most partners will appreciate your concern and welcome a chance to talk about their own experiences. If not, that's a red flag. Anyone who is elusive, vague, or even resentful of this question ought to be treated with trepidation.

Last, but certainly not least, you should want to know if your partner is a virgin, since that initial experience can be daunting and bring its own set of challenges.